Shepard suspended 3 games by NCAA

Off the court issues hit Winston Shepard again.

The NCAA has suspended SDSU Freshman Winston Shepard for 3 games for 'impermissible benefits.' The SDSU Athletic Department released a statement saying "The penalty is a result of Shepard inadvertently violating an NCAA rule. Upon becoming aware of the situation, the San Diego State coaching staff immediately reported the situation to the compliance staff, which self-reported the issue to the NCAA.” SDSU did not provide any further details on what, if any, benefits were received.

U-T San Diego is reporting that people close to Shepard indicate this relates to a car Shepard had purchased with a co-signed loan of a family he had befriended while attending Findlay Prep in Las Vegas. While SDSU is appealing, it is believed Shepard will start serving his suspension by sitting out tonight's game vs SD Christian.

*Silver lining: Shepard will only miss games against SD Christian, Missouri State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He will be eligible to play against USC and UCLA.